The Connection OnlineSM
Online articles and news for physicians,
other health care professionals and facilities.
November 2008
Welcome to our first issue
We value your time and are dedicated to streamlining our printed and online communications. The printed edition of The ConnectionSM (PDF) continues to include important information for you and your office staff. The Connection Online offers additional news and articles not found in the printed issue. We hope you find The Connection Online to be a helpful, supplemental resource. Our newsletters are published quarterly in February, May, August and November. Have feedback? Contact Provider Communications.
Administrative and Billing Updates
Helpful tips to avoid claims delays
Regence continually looks for ways to ensure your claims are processed quickly and efficiently. These tips generally apply to claims submitted using a CMS-1500 claim form. However, some of the tips are valuable reminders for all paper and electronic claims. Read the helpful tips to avoid claims delays »
Coordination of Benefits (COB) reminder
As a reminder, on January 1, the method with which Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon (Regence BCBSO) calculates the Coordination of Benefit (COB) provision when we are in the secondary payer position changed for all applicable employer group plans. Read more about the Coordination of Benefits provision »
Medical Policies
Please join our medical policy discussions
We would like your input and feedback as we draft our medical policies. It's easy to join our email reviewer list. Simply complete our request form.
While we prefer to receive input as policies are developed, we also have a formal appeals process that allows physicians, other health care professionals and facilities to submit additional information, such as clinical trial results, that may warrant a policy review. Our Administrative Manual outlines our current appeals process and new appeals process effective January 15, 2009.
News
Improving hospital patient safety
Regence shares your desire to have your patients receive the best care and the most positive outcomes possible. The following hospital comparison tools are available to help you select hospitals for your patients: Read more about hospital comparison tools »
Oregon Educators Benefit Board (OEBB) transition update
Earlier this year, the Oregon Educators Benefit Board (OEBB) selected three other carriers to administer health benefits for its school district members beginning October 1. Read more about this transition »
The Oregon Health Fund Board
The Oregon Health Fund Board, composed of seven citizens, was chartered under the Healthy Oregon Act (SB 329) during the 2007 Legislative session. Learn more about the board »
Regence holiday closure schedule
The following holidays will be observed by the closure of all Regence offices: View our office closure schedules »
Products and Networks
PEBB and TOC members eligible for Regence Disease Management
The Public Employees' Benefit Board (PEBB) and the Timber Operators Council (TOC) will be transitioning their disease management program from AdviCareSM to Regence Disease Management effective January 1, 2009. Read more about this transition »
Member card enhancements coming
As part of our ongoing efforts to include important and helpful information on our member cards, we are adding additional information to our InnovaSM, EngageSM and ActivateSM member cards. Learn more about member card changes »
Healthcare Management Administrators (HMA) member cards reissued
Historically, HMA member cards included references to HMA Preferred, as well as Regence BCBSO Preferred and Participating networks on the front of the card. HMA will transition to consistent branding for these networks in 2009 by reissuing member cards. Read more about important changes to HMA cards »
Pharmacy
Updates to medication policies and list
Medication policies
Summaries of recent changes (PDF) and detailed policies are available in our Medication Policy Manual.
Preferred Medication List/Formulary (PML)
View our Preferred Medication List/Formulary (PML) in alphabetical order or by therapeutic class.
Important information about Synagis®
Synagis®, available through McKesson Specialty Pharmacy, treats infants at risk for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Read more about the benefits of ordering Synagis with McKesson Specialty Pharmacy »
Consider generics when possible
With the price of pharmaceuticals continuing to rise, here are some tips to help contain these costs: Learn more about methods to control pharmacy costs »
TriWest
Behavioral health resources available for U.S. military patients
To support your care to U.S. military members and their families, TriWest has added a behavioral health portal to the TriWest Web site. Read more about TriWest's behavioral health resources »
Online Resources 
Remittance Advice transactions
If you receive ANSI 835 Remittance Advice transactions via our electronic claims clearinghouse partner, Availity®, LLC, and experience problems, please contact Availity Client Services for assistance. Read more about electronic transaction support »